On a bustling Friday, Daria Kasatkina, ranked 12th in the world and a seasoned eight-time WTA Tour champion, surprised many with her announcement of a significant change: she’s switching her nationality from Russian to Australian.
The 27-year-old shared her joy about receiving permanent residency from the Australian government through a heartfelt post on social media. “Australia is a place I adore,” Kasatkina wrote on X, expressing how welcomed and at home she feels there. She shared her excitement about residing in Melbourne and revealed her pride in representing Australia in her professional tennis endeavors from now on.
Born in Russia, Kasatkina has been affiliated with her homeland since her early tennis days, even clinching the girls’ French Open title back in 2014. Her move isn’t just a change of address but a statement, given her vocal stance against the Ukraine invasion and Russia’s treatment of the LGBTQIA+ community. Since 2021, she’s been in a relationship with Natalia Zabiiako, an Olympic silver medalist figure skater from Russia.
In 2022, Kasatkina publicly came out in an interview, which sparked a media frenzy in Russia. It even prompted a politician to suggest labeling her a “foreign agent.” Despite the uproar, Kasatkina described the relief she felt as akin to shedding a heavy “backpack of stones.”
Together with Zabiiako, she launched a YouTube channel that offers a glimpse into their travels on the tennis circuit and their life journey, inspiring many back in Russia with their courage, as Zabiiako mentioned in a 2024 interview with ESPN.
Though Kasatkina’s parents still live in Russia, she hasn’t returned since February 2022, residing and training primarily in Dubai in recent years. Reflecting on her decision, Kasatkina acknowledged its challenges, expressing gratitude to her family, coaches, and supporters who’ve stood by her over the years.
While she cherishes her Russian heritage, Kasatkina is clearly excited for what lies ahead, embracing her new identity as an Australian. She emphasized her readiness to embark on this fresh chapter under the Australian flag.
A highlight in her career includes reaching the French Open semifinals in 2022, with her highest ranking being eighth. Fans won’t have to wait long to see her in action, as she’s slated to compete in the Charleston Open next week, an event where she claimed her first WTA title in 2017.
Tennis Australia has warmly welcomed Kasatkina, officially announcing her transition to competing as an Australian. They extended their best wishes for her future tournaments and her new journey.
